[Elecraft] SMD soldering help

[Dick Green WC1M]

Solder paste holds the part in place:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M1RC0YY?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

Then an inexpensive hot air rework station completes the job: 

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0055B6NGE/ref=sr_ph?ie=UTF8&qid=1436374340&sr=1&keywords=hot+air+rework

The hot air rework station is best for desoldering parts, too.

73, Dick WC1M

> -----Original Message-----
> From: P.J.Hicks [mailto:hickspj467 at comcast.net]
> Sent: Tuesday, July 07, 2015 7:34 PM
> To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [Elecraft] SMD soldering help
> 
> I have done a bit  of 0603/4 but mostly 0805 size. What works for me is a small
> "helper" I made. Actually the first of two; the second is much more elaborate.
> 
> I do my boards flat/horizontal in a holding fixture so it doesn't move around.
> 
> Then I made a 'T' shaped wire 'holder' that rests on the 'T' crossbar. The leg of
> the 'T' is long enough to bend into a 'C' as big as needed to reach the part. The
> end of the leg is sharpened to a small rounded point about 2/3 the width of the
> SMT or 0.02" and rounded with emery paper. A weight is added to the leg an inch
> or so above the point. In use I place the part with tweezers or other tool and then
> set the holder tool working end on top so it holds the SMT part in place. Careful
> use of the solder pencil tip does the trick. Takes a bit of practice but worked well
> for me. My newer design works better but is, as I say, more complicated to build
> but as simple to use. Same principle though.
> 
> PJH, N7PXY